Your diabetes care team
It's difficult – if not impossible – to navigate the complexities of diabetes alone. So it's crucial to have a good care team on your side.
Consider every health care provider you go to as member of your care team. Each one knows a different aspect of your condition and should work with other care team members to help you live well with diabetes.
You are the most important member of your care team. You’re the one who has to test your blood sugar, take medicine, eat the right foods and get exercise.
The primary care doctor you see for checkups and illnesses should have a background in diabetes care. Your doctor may help you get the rest of your care team together.
A certified diabetes educator (CDE) is a health care provider specifically trained to teach or care for people with diabetes. In addition to being one of the first people you go to with questions about your diabetes, your CDE may also be your nurse, dietitian, counselor, doctor, etc.
A nurse educator is a registered nurse trained in caring for people with diabetes. He or she can help you with daily care issues, such as taking insulin, testing blood sugar, and recognizing complications.
A registered dietitian experienced in diabetes care can help figure out your food plan. He or she can explain how food affects the sugar and fat in your blood, how to read food labels, and how to fit favorite foods into your diet.
Your eye doctor should be an ophthalmologist or optometrist skilled in detecting diabetic retinopathy. See your eye doctor at least once a year.
Mental health professionals – counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers – can help you handle personal problems (family issues, stress, etc.) that can affect how well you take care of your diabetes.
A foot doctor (podiatrist) can help you keep foot problems in check. You should check your feet every day. But a podiatrist can treat calluses and corns, sores that won't heal and more serious problems.
Your dentist should know you have diabetes. The excess sugar in your mouth increases your risk of gum disease. So you should visit your dentist every six months.
An exercise physiologist can plan a program that meets your fitness needs. Exercise helps your body efficiently use insulin. It also helps control weight, blood fat levels, and stress.
Dialog home page
Talking with your health care team
Working with a certified diabetes educator
Source: American Diabetes Association
First published: 05/08/2002
Last updated: 06/30/2006
Reviewed by: Mary Frederick, RN, diabetes program manager, Allina Medical Clinic; Paul Kleeberg, MD, medical director, Allina.com
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